Jetsettersblog

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ new ship, River Saigon, is now operating on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Uniworld offers the 14-night “Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River” cruise and tour, which begins with two nights at the InterContinental Asiana Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The River Saigon offers 30 river-view staterooms for a maximum of 60 guests per sailing.

The itinerary includes Hanoi, Vietnam, and Cambodia’s Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, gateway to the legendary UNESCO Angkor Wat temples. The 13 included excursions are led by local experts, who guide groups of no more than 20 people. Excursions include viewing stone carvers at work and visits to local schools to learn about ancient customs such as Apsara dancing.

“The success of this program has been overwhelming, and we are so proud to be able to bring people to these amazing countries,” said Uniworld President Guy Young. “Because of the demand for travelers to want to experience these regions, we are going to launch another new ship, the River Orchid, in 2013.”

The 14-night cruise-tour operates includes a seven-night cruise between Kampong Cham in Cambodia and My Tho in Vietnam. For the land portion, guests spend seven nights in five-star hotels, including buffet breakfast, service charges, and porterage. Uniworld’s guests also receive private check-in with welcome drinks and in-room flowers and fruit platter. At the Victoria Angkor Hotel & Spa, each guest receives a monogrammed bathrobe to keep.

Goway Travel published its Asia 2012 brochure, a travel planner featuring 25 countries and 225 model itineraries, including 12 adventure ideas, 14 boutique cruises, 10 rail ideas, 22 luxury ideas and 365 hotels. Programs range from adventure to seven-star luxury.

“This year we’re introducing Russia to our Asian line up, featuring a Moscow-to-St. Petersburg cruise, along with some new Korea World Expo tours; eco jungle lodges in Northern Thailand; three newly selected Stays of Distinction in Shanghai, Ubud and Taipei; and more group touring options than ever before,” said Diane Molzan, general manager, Asia.

The selection includes a two-day Pushkar Extension in India from $149 per person, a Cebu and Chocolate Hills program in the Philippines from $239 per person, an 11-day Boutique River Cruise in Myanmar for $3,185 per person, and two new Nepal treks in the Annapurna and Everest regions. The company is continuing popular programs in South East Asia, India, Nepal, Thailand and China. For more information, call 888-469-2988.

Along Vietnam’s stunning southeast coast, Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa redefines luxurious beachside living with indigenous appeals. Capture the richness of Vietnamese heritage. Open a window to the celebrated beach destination of Mui Ne. And discover a gateway to the region’s diverse natural and cultural attractions.

Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa is located 198 kilometres northeast of Ho Chi Minh City and only 11 kilometres from Phan Thiet train station. Discover a place where the sea meets the sand dunes in a paradise of relaxation. Unwind to a symphony of swaying coconut palms, famously long golden beaches and stunning mountains, all blessed by Vietnam’s most ideal beach climate.

The average temperature of 29 degrees Celsius, accompanied by a pleasant breeze, creates prime conditions for kite surfing, windsurfing and sailing, to name just a few of the many water sports available.

Balance beautiful beach life with intriguing exploration. Set out on an exhilarating jeep tour or race down towering sand dunes on mats. Experience the rhythm of coastal life at Mui Ne village, watching boats set off for their daily fishing voyage and return to unload their haul. Hire a boat and glide across the famous fresh water White Lake “Bau Trang”, spanning 70 hectares and home to numerous fish, including 30 kilogramme carp – or simply take in the forest and mountain scenery with a picnic on the banks.

Take a short speedboat ride to a small island and climb the 184 steps of Ke Ga Light House. Built in 1899, this historic relic of original Binh Thuan architecture is now a major tourist attraction and offers wonderful views. A more ambitious ascent can be found at Ta Cu Mountain, whose peak reaches 649 metres above sea level. 25,000 hectares of national primeval forest and an average temperature of 18 to 20 degrees Celsius create an inviting environment for scenic hikes. Small paths wind upward for 2.4 kilometres and pass historic pagodas en route to the top, accompanied by a cable car for the less energetic, with the ultimate reward of a lofty panorama.

Follow a thrilling adventure with a pampering wellness journey at Anantara Spa, where an indulgent menu is inspired by lotus flowers and treatments harness the highly prized nourishment of coconuts. Bask in the sun at the shoreline pool, or invigorate in the gym. Spend time enjoying the resort’s wider facilities, including a gift shop and reading lounge complete with books, magazines, CDs and DVDs.

Retreat to one of 89 rooms, suites and villas, designed to reflect traditional Vietnamese style and set amongst tropical landscaping with views of luscious gardens, the pool, fresh water lagoon or sea. Deluxe Anantara room features include a spacious bathroom with a large stone tub and separate rain shower, and elite entertainment is catered for by a 32 inch plasma television with satellite channels, wireless high speed internet, as well as an iPod docking station in all villas.

Indeed guests seeking the ultimate in location, space and imaginative luxury enjoy an impressive choice of six villa types, the pinnacle of which is an Anantara Two Bedroom Beach Front Pool Villa and boasts 128 square metres of living space spread over two storeys, with a master bedroom on each floor providing a wonderful sanctuary for families, or couples and friends travelling together.

Five restaurants and bars present authentic Vietnamese flavours and pay tribute to some of the world’s most celebrated cuisines. Highlights include fresh seafood grilled specialties with ocean views, a signature cocktail served in a local Cham pottery mug in a homely lounge, and cool refreshments at the swim-up bar, evolving into a poolside torch lit terrace with live entertainment by night. Bespoke opportunities abound in the form of a degustation menu in The Wine Cellar, and Dining by Design romance in idyllic resort settings, as well as off-site in the midst of natural and cultural wonders.

Banqueting, event and meeting facilities comprise four conference rooms for up to 250 participants, as well as exceptional al fresco reception locations.

If its adventure or just lazing on the beach make the most of your holiday in Vietnam at Anantara Mui Ne Resort and Spa.

Letters from Vietnam is an inspiring story of one woman’s journey to connect with her father more than 29 years after his untimely death through the 300 letters and tapes he made while serving in the Vietnam War between 1967-68.

Now travelers have the unique opportunity for the first time to travel with author Jacqueline Lundquist through former battlefields to tranquil hill villages in Vietnam to explore our shared history on this engaging, enlightening and rewarding tour.

“To have the opportunity to get to know one’s father so many years after his death is truly a remarkable gift,” writes President Bill Clinton. “Jacqueline’s careful and loving collection of her father’s letters and then her own journey to Vietnam to see for herself where they were written is a wonderful tribute to a man she longed to know and came to know through his own words.”

The 12 day/11-night tour takes place from November 3-14, 2012 traveling to Saigon, Hoi An, Hue, Sapa and Hanoi. Engage with local entrepreneurs, non-profits and war veterans during this special journey.

The trip is ideal for children and spouses of Vietnam veterans, veterans and anyone who is interested in exploring Vietnam through the lens which Jacqueline provides through her father’s letters.

It includes 11-nights in luxury hotels, all internal transportation, most meals and more. Limited to 24 persons.

Price per person is $7190 based on double occupancy. A pre-trip to Cambodia including Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh and a post-trip to Halong Bay are also available.

“Jacqueline’s careful and loving collection of her father’s letters and then her own journey to Vietnam to see for herself where they were written is a wonderful tribute to a man she longed to know and came to know through his words.” Deepak Chopra Interview can be heard here :

Jacqueline is a 1986 graduate of the University of Virginia and of the Alliance Francaise in Paris. Her background is in advertising, public relations and media. She has worked on national community service issues for President George Bush, Sr. and President Bill Clinton. In addition, she worked as an entertainment reporter for CBS television.

Jacqueline’s husband, Richard Celeste, served as Ambassador to India under President Clinton from 1997-2001. As first lady of the US in India, Jacqueline worked on a variety of issues including HIV/AIDS, women’s and children’s causes, the environment, and the promotion of fashion and the arts. In 2002, Jacqueline was awarded the “Special Award for Contribution to Promotion of Indian Fashion Globally” at the Zee Gold Bollywood Awards. She currently lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

For more information or to reserve your adventure, visit the website at http://beyondboundariestravel.com/lfv/index.html

On the Go Tours launches Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos offering a selection of exciting group tours from 8-days to 22 days, suggested itineraries for Private tours and Tailor-made holidays to suit all style of travel. All group tours run with a minimum of 2 passengers travelling, single supplements are waivered on set tours and accommodation is of 4-star standard.

Group Tours:

Very Vietnam – 10 days – from £969
Discover the fading colonial architecture and national monuments of Hanoi, to the spellbinding scenery of Halong Bay and the steamy city of Saigon on the Mekong Delta.

Journey to Angkor Wat – 15 days – from £1,329
Discover the rich history of Vietnam and Cambodia on an unforgettable journey from Hanoi and the limestone peaks of Halong Bay to Siem Reap and the magnificent temples of Angkor.

Vientiane to Vietnam – 17 days – from £1,599
Explore the delights of Luang Prabang and Hoi An, visiting Buddhist temples and ornate palaces, explore mystical caves and colourful markets, cruise Halong and the Mekong.

Legends of Laos – 8 days – from £699
From Vientiane – the remarkably relaxed capital, to enchanting Luang Prabang – the beautifully preserved, former royal capital, discover the magic of Laos.

Inside Indochina – 22 days – from £1,899
Take an exciting journey through Indochina starting in Laos, continuing through the north and south of Vietnam then on to the captivating kingdom of Cambodia.

Private Tours:

For those preferring not to travel as part of a larger group, our private tours allow them to get off the beaten track and travel at their own pace on a holiday tailored exclusively to their needs. Private tours work well for couples and small groups of family or friends.
Accommodation can vary between simple, standard, superior, deluxe and lavish!

Tailor-Made Holidays:

With the assistance of our specialised team of holiday planners clients can now discover Southeast Asia on a holiday designed especially for them!
Browse our interactive map of Southeast Asia and contact one of our specialist team to discuss your holiday requirements.

As the company enters its 40th year Journeys of Distinction is emphasising the value of escorted touring as a way to see more of the world, guided by experienced locals and following a pre-planned itinerary, with pre-arranged high quality accommodation. MD Karen Gee said “Escorted touring is the clever way to see the world. The whole concept of touring has changed since Journeys of Distinction launched in 1972. These days it’s far more experiential. Our clients are seeking travel experiences way beyond the ordinary while travelling in the company and safety of a group of no more than twenty five guests. We pave the way for them to explore further, while in the company of a personable and experienced tour manager, and local tour guides”.

New tours for 2012

Footsteps of the Plant Hunters – the most innovative new tour of 2012
Participants on Journeys of Distinction’s new exploration of China, in the `Footsteps of the Plant Hunters’, explores the rural and lesser known Yunnan Province and Zhongdian (Shangri La) and follows a journey of discovery to learn how the 19th and early 20th Century plant hunters, such as Joseph Rock in the 1920′s, (who travelled with his own silver place setting and an Abercrombie & Fitch canvas bath), changed the face of western horticulture, introducing now familiar plant species such as the rhododendron, peony and mountain ash.

The 14 day tour starts in Shanghai, with a visit to the UNESCO listed Classical Gardens of Suzhou, to the towering rocks of the ‘Stone Forest’ at Kunming and on to Lijang, with its ancient cobbled streets and rich culture where the itinerary includes a visit to Joseph Rock’s home. The tour continues to Shangri-La, home to rhododendrons, azaleas and a multitude of life, including 30 nationalities of people, pigs, yaks and ponies and where a visit to a Tibetan family includes a taste of yak butter tea.

Inaugural departure of 25 May costs just £3,799 and is accompanied by Karen Gee, JOD’s Managing Director who researched and planned the trip. The trip can be extended with a 3 day visit to Tibet for just £4,999 for the 17 day tour.

This 14 day luxury tour costs from £3799, or from £4,999 including the Tibet extension. Prices include return flights, luxury hotel accommodation, some meals, local guides, air conditioned road travel, and a tour manager to accompany from the UK. Contact 0161 491 7616 or visit www.jod.uk.com.

Plant Hunters itinerary
http://www.jod.uk.com/en/pages/footsteps-of-the-plant-hunters.aspx

Sing your way through the USA
Singing with a Gospel Choir and visiting the old haunts of Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington on a tour through Harlem is one of many highlights of Journeys of Distinction’s new 12 day itinerary from Washington to New York, via Niagara Falls and Gettysburg. The tour provides a fascinating and in-depth way to discover America’s cities and iconic suburbs, blending top tourist sites with opportunities to learn about life and the different cultures in the U.S. from local tour guides. This exceptional 12 day tour costs from £3755 and includes return flights, luxury hotel accommodation with breakfast, travel by air conditioned coach, a daily touring programme with local guides and the services of a tour manager throughout. Contact Journeys of Distinction on 0161 491 7616 or visit www.jod.uk.com

East Coast Splendours link:
http://www.jod.uk.com/en/destinations/north-and-central-america/america/tours/pages/east-coast-splendours.aspx

New tour aboard the world’s most luxurious train
Journeys of Distinction includes a three day journey on board one of the world’s most spacious and luxurious train; the privately owned Rovos Rail, as part of its new `South African Heartlands’ luxury escorted tour, which travels from Johannesburg to Durban through the plains and mountains of KwaZulu Natal with excursions to a wildlife park and the battlefields. The train carries a maximum of just 72 passengers in 36 suites, recapturing the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era on an iconic rail journey from Durban to Pretoria. This exceptional 13 day tour costs from £4855 and includes return flights, luxury hotel accommodation with breakfast, travel by air conditioned coach, a daily touring programme with local guides and the services of a tour manager throughout. Contact Journeys of Distinction on 0161 491 7616 or visit www.jod.uk.com

South African Heartlands link:
http://www.jod.uk.com/en/destinations/africa/south-africa/tours/pages/the-garden-route.aspx

New eastern Europe tour
For the first time in 2012 Journeys of Distinction is offering tours of Europe from 8 to 17 days, including a new Grand Balkan and Adriatic Adventure through Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Montenegro. The tour starts in Zagreb, moving to Slovenia’s Lake Bled, down to the Istrian Peninsula through Rovinj, Split, Sarajevo and Dubrovnik and includes accommodation in character hotels, including Vila Bled, Tito’s former summer residence on the shores of Lake Bled, and excursion opportunities such as truffle hunting in Croatia and visiting the war tunnels in Sarajevo. The tour costs from £2695pp and includes return flights, luxury hotel accommodation with breakfast, travel by air conditioned coach, a daily touring programme with local guides and the services of a tour manager throughout. Contact Journeys of Distinction on 0161 491 7616 or visit www.jod.uk.com

Grand Balkan and Adriatic Adventure itinerary link:
http://www.jod.uk.com/en/destinations/europe/croatia/tours/pages/grand-balkan-and-adriatic-adventure.aspx

Sun worship and wine making
Journeys of Distinction’s `Very Best of South America’ tour, takes in Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil visiting Machu Picchu, Iguazu falls and Rio de Janeiro. Unforgettable experiences include travelling by coach over the Andes from Chile to Argentina and blending wine in Mendoza, the highest winelands in the world, where guests will be able to blend their own wine. This exceptional 23 day tour costs from £6795 and includes return flights, luxury hotel accommodation with breakfast, travel by air conditioned coach, a daily touring programme with local guides and the services of a tour manager throughout. Contact Journeys of Distinction on 0161 491 7616 or visit www.jod.uk.com

Very Best of South America tour itinerary link:
http://www.jod.uk.com/en/destinations/south-america/tours/pages/the-very-best-of-south-america-201213.aspx

Modern day gap year
‘The Very Best of Vietnam’ is a new tour for 2012 with accommodation in top hotels, accompanied throughout by a tour manager and hosted by local experienced guides, it’s a far cry from the average teenager’s `gap’ travels to the same region! The 17 day tour travels from north to south along the length of the country. Highlights include an overnight stay on a deluxe Bhaya Junk on Halong Bay, a hands-on Vietnamese cookery class in Hoi An, entering the tunnels at Cu Chi, a series of underground passages used by the Viet Cong to fight the U.S Army and a trip along the canals of the Mekong Delta with a two night stay at the 5* Can Tho Victoria resort. This exceptional 20 day tour costs from £3995 and includes return flights, luxury hotel accommodation with breakfast, travel by air conditioned coach, a daily touring programme with local guides and the services of a tour manager throughout. Contact Journeys of Distinction on 0161 491 7616 or visit www.jod.uk.com

Very Best of Vietnam link:
http://www.jod.uk.com/en/destinations/asia/vietnam/tours/pages/the-very-best-of-vietnam.aspx

A black-tie gourmet dinner in one of Halong Bay’s limestone grottoes will take place May 26 to 27 when several dozen passengers of Emeraude Classic Cruises will descend the gangplank and ascend a limestone pathway to the torch-lit grotto for the gala. The event will be the 8th Annual Wine Cruise for the Emeraude, but the first since Halong Bay has been recognized as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The in-grotto dinner will be accompanied by vintages from the Rhone Valley’s M. Chapoutier Winery, including the Condrieu Invitare, Crozes-Hermitage Les Meysonniers, La Bernardine Chateauneuf du Pape and Les Becasses Cote Rotie in Condrieu, a village in France’s Rhone Valley.

The Crowne Plaza Sanya Haitang Bay and Hotel Indigo Sanya Haitang Bay complex will open in 2014. The 54-room Hotel Indigo Sanya Haitang Bay is the first Hotel Indigo property to open in a resort location in China. Hotel Indigo is the industry’s first branded boutique hotel, offering upscale travelers a local neighborhood lodging experience.

The 420-room Crowne Plaza Sanya Haitang Bay will offer premium accommodation and meeting facilities for discerning travelers pursuing either leisure or business purposes. Crowne Plaza is one of the fastest-growing upscale hotel brands in Asia Pacific and has the most hotels in the development pipeline of any upscale brand globally.

The new development of both hotels is an impressive complex that will meet both the demands of the MICE market and the emerging growth of leisure tourism. Sanya has experienced significant growth in the past decade, and this growth momentum is expected to continue through the development of several new bays along east coast, of which Haitang Bay is the government’s current focus. The number of arrivals of Chinese domestic tourists travelling within the country is expected to grow substantially. Sanya tourist arrivals reached nearly 7 million in 2009, more than double the number of 2003, which was 3 million.

Present in the China market since 1984, IHG has become a trusted partner for local owners through its successful operations and record-tracked financial return. IHG currently has 162 hotels open under five brands in over 50 cities — InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts and Holiday Inn Express — and nearly 150 hotels are in the development pipeline.

A co-operative marketing group is being launched next week to promote Vietnam’s Central Coast as Asia’s best new golf tourism destination.

Golf Coast Vietnam – based on Vietnam’s third largest city, Danang – is spearheaded by two existing world-class golf courses that have opened between Danang and Hoi An in the past two years and a third near Hue due to open in second half 2012.

The three courses…
The Montgomerie Links
Danang Golf Club
Laguna Lang Co
…were designed, respectively, by Colin Montgomerie, Greg Norman and Sir Nick Faldo.

Joining them as a foundation member of Golf Coast Vietnam is the country’s leading dedicated golf tour operator, Golfasian Vietnam, which has been bringing inbound golf travellers to South-East Asia for the past 12 years.

Golf Coast Vietnam’s co-ordinator, Jon Tomlinson, the executive director of The Montgomerie Links, an eponymous course designed by Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie that opened in 2009, is unveiling the group at next week’s International Golf Travel Market in Belek, Turkey.

“Golf Coast Vietnam brings together in one destination courses designed by three of the greatest golfers of the modern era,” he said this week. “Combined with the region’s wonderful leisure, cultural and historical attractions, it makes Danang the most attractive emerging golf destination in Asia.”

In October, The Montgomerie Links was named by Vietnam Golf Magazine as Vietnam’s best golf course and Danang Golf Club as the best new course in the country. Last week, the same courses were named, respectively, by Asian Golf Monthly as the best course in Vietnam (for the second year in a row) and the best new course in Asia/Pacific.

“The timing of these awards couldn’t be more appropriate for the launch of Golf Coast Vietnam,” Jon Tomlinson said after accepting the Asian Golf Monthly accolade at the Asia Pacific Golf Summit in Pattaya, Thailand. “It serves as independent assurance for inbound golfers coming to the Central Coast that they will be able to play not only the best courses in Vietnam, but two of the best in Asia.

The Laguna Lang Co course, which is part of a major tourism project between Danang and Vietnam’s former imperial capital of Hue, is expected to be equally appealing when it opens in late 2012.

The three course-destination means Danang, with its world-famous China Beach – rated by Forbes magazine as one of the 10 most beautiful in the world – new tourism infrastructure and nearby UNESCO World Heritage attractions at Hoi An, My Son and Hue will rival destinations such as Pattaya and Phuket in Thailand and Mission Hills in China for the title of Asia’s golf capital.

According to the International Association of Golf Tourism Operators (IAGTO), a three-course destination becomes appealing to 75 percent of golf travellers, whereas a two-course location is of interest to only 25 percent. IAGTO also says potential visitors will travel up to 90 minutes from an international airport to reach their destination. All the Golf Coast Vietnam properties easily meet this criteria.

“It is a very exciting opportunity,” Jon Tomlinson said before leaving for Turkey. “We not only have three great golf courses as foundation members of our group, but are expecting several five-star hotels to join in the near future. Danang’s new international airport is scheduled to open in early 2012 and already there is a great choice of high quality accommodation in the region, with more to come.”

Vietnam currently has 25 golf courses with several more being built. The government has given in-principle approval for up to 89 courses by 2020.
Last month, Air Asia announced it was launching direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Danang, with services from Bangkok and Jakarta expected to follow. Singapore-based Silk Air also flies into Danang, while scheduled flights from Hong Kong may be launched soon.

Passengers originating in Australia can connect through Ho Chi Minh City to Danang on Jetstar, while Vietnam Airlines operates more than 20 flights a day from Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi.

Among many other attractions including world-famous China Beach at Danang, most visitors to the region head for the three UNESCO World Heritage cultural sites: Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary and Citadel of the Ho Dynasty at Hue.

Hoi An, 25 kilometres south of Danang, is a well-preserved ancient trading port, the only one of its kind in Vietnam. The My Son Sanctuary near the village of Tam Ky, 35km south of Hoi An, was the cultural, artistic and religious heart of the Hindu Champa Kingdom, established in 192 AD. The Citadel at Hue, 100km north of Danang, was the headquarters of the feudal Nguyen dynasty established in the early 19th century that made Hue Vietnam’s national capital until separation in 1945.

“I don’t know of any other tourism destination in the world that is developing like the Central Coast or is as interesting,” Jon Tomlinson said. “It gives us great confidence for the future of the region for Golf Coast Vietnam members as well as golfers and other visitors who come to the region.”

To find out more about Golf Coast Vietnam, visit www.golfcoastvietnam.com

The Montgomerie Links near Danang on Vietnam’s Central Coast has been reaffirmed as the country’s best golf course after receiving two of Asia’s most prestigious golf awards.

In early October, Vietnam Golf Magazine named The Montgomerie Links for the second year in a row as the country’s best course. Last week, at the Asian Golf Summit in Pattaya, Thailand, the course received the same accolade – also for the second year in a row – from Asian Golf Monthly, widely regarded as Asia’s most influential golf publication.

The Montgomerie Links, designed by and named after Ryder Cup captain and eight times European Order of Merit winner, Colin Montgomerie, opened in 2009 in Vietnam’s hottest golf destination, the Central Coast between Danang and Hoi An.

It has since won widespread acclaim for its design, course conditioning, golfing enjoyment, practice facilities, clubhouse and service. Thousands of players from all over the world who have played there invariably rate it among the best courses they have experienced.

This week, The Montgomerie Links is becoming a foundation member of a new destination marketing group, Golf Coast Vietnam, which is being launched to promote golf tourism on the country’s rapidly-developing central coast between Hue and Hoi An, with Danang as the fulcrum and international entry point.

“We are very fortunate to have been provided with such a stunning golf course,” the general director of The Montgomerie Links, Jon Tomlinson, said this week after accepting the latest award. “Colin Montgomerie himself took enormous pride to ensure he was personally satisfied with every aspect of the course design, while our owner, Indochina Land, provides great support as one of the foremost managed fund companies in Vietnam.”

Indochina Land also owns the highly-acclaimed Nam Hai Resort and the recently-opened Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa, both of which are within a few kilometres of the golf course.

The Vietnam Golf Association, which endorses the annual awards announced in Vietnam Golf Magazine, has also recognised The Montgomerie Links by holding the annual Vietnam Matchplay Championship there since 2009. This year, the course also hosted the inaugural Colin Montgomerie Junior Challenge, an event open to junior golfers in Vietnam who are under 17 and have an official handicap.

Jon Tomlinson said The Montgomerie Links had played a vital role in introducing 3000 new golfers to the game through the association’s “Grow the Game” program. It was also a major contributor to the economy in Quang Nam province through the employment of 500 local staff on the golf course and Montgomerie Villa real estate project.

“Golfers all over the world now know that when they come to Danang and play The Montgomerie Links they will have a memorable golfing experience,” Jon Tomlinson added. “These awards provide an assurance and a reason for golf travellers to see the course and the Central Coast for themselves.”
Among reviews of the course from golfers have been these on the World Golf and Trip Advisor websites:

“I’d rate this course the finest we played on our golf tour of Vietnam.”
“Danang’s beachfront is in a construction boom, which makes it ideal for any Vietnam holiday. Schedule a couple rounds at this course.”
“The course is in very good shape and the caddies did a marvelous job of making our enjoyment even better.”
“Great golf experience. Don’t miss out, fellow golfers.”
“I played there twice in the past four months while visiting Danang. It is one of the best resort golf courses in South-East Asia.”

Golf and accommodation packages start at $US85 per person per night (twin share) with one round of golf. Two rounds of golf and two nights’ accommodation at the nearby Furama Resort costs $US319 per person (twin share) including breakfasts, one set meal at the course’s Birdies restaurant and use of the driving range.

Air Asia is launching a new international air service in December from Kuala Lumpur to Danang.

For more information, visit www.montgomerielinks.com.

FOOTNOTE: The Montgomerie Links is a par-72 course that plays 7063 yards (6458 metres) from the championship tees, 6602 (6037 metres) from the blue tees and 5766 yards (5273 metres) from the white tees. Its signature 527-yard par-5 12th hole, which plays towards the imposing clubhouse, has 17 bunkers.

Colin Montgomerie, whose career produced 40 professional tournament victories, has designed 14 courses now in play in the United Kingdom, Europe, Turkey, the Middle East and Asia. The Montgomerie Links is the only one in Vietnam.